Orlando Development Blooms

  • Released Tuesday, July 28th, 2015
  • Updated Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023 at 1:49PM
  • ID: 11918
Development turned Central Florida from swampland to the most visited tourist region of the U.S.

Development turned Central Florida from swampland to the most visited tourist region of the U.S.

Orlando, Florida, is reported to be the most visited destination in the United States. In 2014, more than 62 million people flocked to this centrally located city in the Sunshine State. And while the exact number of visitors fluctuates from year to year, tourism has had a marked impact on the landscape. Watch the video to see the spread of development across greater Orlando, southwest of the city’s downtown area, as seen by USGS-NASA Landsat satellites over the span of about four decades. Images in the video are false-color to help differentiate components of the landscape; water is black, vegetation is red, and urban areas are brown to gray.

Theme parks and other development bloom across greater Orlando, seen here from 1972 to 2014.

In September 1972, the Magic Kingdom—the first of Walt Disney World’s four theme parks—had been open for nearly a year.

In September 1972, the Magic Kingdom—the first of Walt Disney World’s four theme parks—had been open for nearly a year.

The opening of Epcot Center and SeaWorld followed in 1986, and construction began on Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The opening of Epcot Center and SeaWorld followed in 1986, and construction began on Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

With the growth of theme parks came the growth of businesses and infrastructure to accommodate the influx of visitors.

With the growth of theme parks came the growth of businesses and infrastructure to accommodate the influx of visitors.

By 2014, Walt Disney resorts covered more than 40 square miles, about the same area as the city of San Francisco.

By 2014, Walt Disney resorts covered more than 40 square miles, about the same area as the city of San Francisco.

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